focus merely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus merely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the emphasis is solely on a specific aspect or element of a topic. Example: "In this discussion, we will focus merely on the economic implications of the policy change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

They focus merely on tax cuts and slashing red tape.

The Economist

Don't focus merely on the dollars — identify all your interests, as in the sexual-harassment example above.

Harvard University

Too many books focus merely on the problems of center cities or propose planning solutions only applicable in greenfield sites.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Once you get past that, there are real things that are happening to real people, that, if you focus merely on the stuff, you are going to miss".

The New York Times

For the first time, a framework supports multiple modern controllers concurrently communicating with multiple, device naïve, requesting applications, utilizing standard, real time, internet communication technologies, as opposed to current practices which focus merely on one device.

Information Sciences

One of these was a portrait of two brothers; the brother in the foreground was in sharp detail, and the brother in the background was out of focus, merely a suggestion of a looming presence.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But once again, a lot of this discussion focuses merely on the upper echelons of society.

Independent

You focused merely on the personalities of those who want to be our next governor.

The New York Times

Rather than the regular interactions between investors and senior management in companies focusing merely on financial performance indicators, topics of particular concern to responsible investors could be raised.

The Guardian

However, most published treatments so far have focused merely on this technique's ability to produce low-cost, high quality representations, with one or two also suggesting new opportunities for citizen science.

Journal of Archaeological Science

The half-immersion method could be used in the research focusing merely on corroded steel bars as it led to serious non-uniform corrosion but less severe expansive cracking.

Construction and Building Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus merely" when you want to explicitly state that attention is limited to a specific aspect, often implying a criticism of this narrow focus. Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone aligns with your intent.

Common error

Avoid using "focus merely" if you intend to convey a comprehensive analysis. This phrase suggests a deliberate narrowing of scope, which can be misleading if a more holistic view is necessary or intended.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus merely" functions as a verb phrase, modifying the verb to indicate a limited or restricted scope of attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

36%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus merely" is a versatile expression for indicating a restricted scope of attention, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news, science, and academic contexts, it carries a neutral register and serves to clarify limitations or express critique. Alternatives like ""concentrate solely"" or ""emphasize only"" can provide subtle shifts in meaning. When employing this phrase, be conscious of the intended tone, ensuring that its inherent implication of narrowness aligns with your overall message and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate solely

Indicates an exclusive focus, with a stronger emphasis on excluding other aspects.

emphasize only

Highlights the single aspect that is being stressed, rather than a general focus.

focus exclusively

Similar to "concentrate solely" but can imply a deliberate choice to exclude other options.

focus solely

Indicates an exclusive focus, without any deviation.

center exclusively

Implies a more central and pivotal focus, making the chosen aspect the core consideration.

prioritize solely

Indicates that the item being focused on has higher precedence above all others.

hinge exclusively

Suggests that the outcome or understanding is entirely dependent on the specified focus.

limit attention

Suggests reducing the spectrum of attention and keeping it narrow on a limited subject.

address primarily

Indicates what item is mainly aimed at, but not necessarily the only one.

deal chiefly

Implies to treat mainly with a particular subject or person.

FAQs

How can I use "focus merely" in a sentence?

You can use "focus merely" to indicate a limited concentration on a specific aspect of a topic. For example, "The report "focuses merely" on the economic impact, ignoring the social implications."

What are some alternatives to "focus merely"?

Alternatives to "focus merely" include "concentrate solely", "emphasize only", or "focus exclusively", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "focus merely" on something?

To "focus merely" on something means to concentrate attention or effort solely on that particular aspect, often to the exclusion of other potentially relevant considerations. It can imply a limitation or a criticism of a narrow perspective.

Is it better to "focus solely" or "focus merely" on an issue?

While both phrases indicate a restricted focus, "focus merely" often carries a connotation of criticism or inadequacy, suggesting that the focus is too narrow. "Focus solely" is more neutral and simply indicates that the specific item is the only one receiving attention.